I am the quintessential “bird nerd” according to my friends and family. One of my favorite birding spots in Anchorage is Westchester Lagoon and the adjacent Tony Knowles Coastal Trail. Watching the red-necked grebes conduct their ritualistic breeding displays is a treat. My favorite time of year to bird watch around the lagoon is during spring migration when the Arctic comes alive with migrating shorebirds, waterfowl, geese, loons and songbirds. Take flight! ~ Alaska resident and wildlife biologist Sirena T. Brownlee
Nearly 500 species of birds have been positively identified in Alaska – enough action for even the most discriminating birder.
More bird watching locations in Anchorage
- Potter Marsh (Anchorage Coastal Wildlife Refuge)
- Chugach State Park
- Eagle River Nature Center
- Johns Park and Coastal Bluffs
More information on Alaska bird watching, and details for Anchorage bird watching hot spots, is available from the Anchorage Audubon Society.
Alaska Bird Watching Checklist
The Alaska Department of Fish and Game encourages people to explore Alaska, discover more Alaska birds and to take their birding skills to a higher level through the Wings Over Alaska program. Wings Over Alaska provides a detailed Alaska bird viewing checklist and awards free certificates to participants based on the number of bird species they spot in Alaska.
Bird Watching Equipment
The great thing about bird watching is that you can do it casually wherever you go. Or, you can vigorously pursue it like the serious birders. However you go about it, there are a few basics you will need:
- Good optics make the sport even more enjoyable. Buy the best you can afford.
- Get a good field guide for your area and a good overall guide, such as “The Sibley Guide to Birds” or “Peterson Field Guide.”
- Learn how to find the birds by learning about their habitat and songs.
- Take a guided tour or join other birders to learn different techniques.
- Keep a diary of sightings to build upon and to help clarify other sightings.
Bird TLC
Look an eagle in the eye and come face-to-face with other raptors at the Bird Treatment and Learning Center, an avian rehabilitation clinic and education organization. Bird TLC provides wild bird programs, presentations and public release events.
